Legislation Moves to Strip Prince Andrew of Dukedom Amid Backlash

Calls are intensifying for the removal of Prince Andrew’s dukedom following significant public outcry. On October 17, 2023, Andrew relinquished his title as Duke of York along with his positions as a Royal Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter and his knighthood. Despite these concessions, he retains the dukedom, which can only be rescinded through parliamentary action.

Stephen Flynn, the chief of the Scottish National Party (SNP) at Westminster, has voiced the public’s anger over Andrew’s continued status. He, along with relatives of Virginia Giuffre, who accused Andrew of sexual assault, is urging Members of Parliament (MPs) to act. Flynn argued that if parliamentary intervention is necessary to revoke titles from figures like Andrew, the government must not delay.

Andrew’s biographer, Andrew Lownie, noted that the process for stripping Andrew of his titles is straightforward. A minor amendment to the Peerage Act 1963 would suffice to formalize Andrew’s renunciation of the York title. Lownie emphasized that this could be accomplished in just one day.

In a related development, Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central, is considering introducing a Bill that would empower the Monarch or Parliament to revoke honours. She has indicated that any proposed legislation would require support from Labour MPs, who currently hold a commanding majority in the House of Commons.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband stated that the decision regarding Andrew’s titles ultimately lies with the Royal Family, affirming that the government is prepared to follow the palace’s lead. Miliband described allegations of Andrew attempting to orchestrate a smear campaign against Giuffre as “deeply concerning.”

Adding to the controversy, Giuffre’s brother, Sky Roberts, has called for King Charles III to strip Andrew of his princely rights. Reports indicate that Prince William is also advocating for decisive action regarding Andrew, particularly concerning the ongoing scrutiny of Andrew’s connections to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The Sunday Times reported that William is dissatisfied with the loss of Andrew’s title and is inclined to adopt a more stringent approach towards his uncle, potentially barring him from future royal events.

Recent allegations suggest that Andrew attempted to enlist the Metropolitan Police to investigate Giuffre, reportedly providing his bodyguard with her date of birth and social security number in 2011. The police confirmed they are investigating these claims after the Mail on Sunday reported the incident.

The upcoming release of Giuffre’s posthumous memoirs on October 24, 2023, has heightened scrutiny surrounding her allegations against Andrew, which he continues to deny. Giuffre has claimed that she was coerced into sexual encounters with Andrew on three occasions, including once when she was just 17, after being trafficked by Epstein. Although Andrew settled a civil case with Giuffre for millions, he has maintained that this was not an admission of guilt.

The pressure continues to mount on both Prince Andrew and the British government as public sentiment swells against royal privileges for individuals embroiled in serious allegations.